The Indiana Fever are facing a challenging end to the 2025 WNBA season. Veteran guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the season due to a right knee injury sustained during Sunday's game against the Connecticut Sun. The team announced the unfortunate news, confirming Cunningham suffered a season-ending injury to her right knee in the second quarter. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Shey Peddy Signs Hardship Contract
In response to Cunningham's injury, the Fever have signed guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract. Peddy, a six-year WNBA veteran, most recently played for the LA Sparks, where she averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 assists in six games. Before Los Angeles, Peddy played for the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics, beginning her WNBA career in 2019. Throughout her career, she boasts averages of 5.9 points and 2.3 assists with a 40.2% field goal percentage. During the offseason, Peddy earned the Defensive Player of the Year award at Athletes Unlimited, also securing a spot on the All-Defensive Team. Peddy will wear No. 5 for the Fever.
Kyra Lambert Released
The Fever also announced the release of guard Kyra Lambert, who was on a seven-day hardship contract. Lambert made her WNBA debut on Sunday in the Fever's overtime victory against the Connecticut Sun.
Injury Woes Plague the Fever
Cunningham's injury is the latest blow to the Fever, who have already lost guards Aari McDonald (broken foot) and Sydney Colson (torn ACL) for the season. Star guard Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a groin injury since July 15, with no set return date. Clark also suffered a minor ankle injury during a workout earlier this month.
Playoff Push or Focus on the Future?
With less than a month left in the regular season, the Fever are currently sixth in the standings, holding a 2.5-game lead over the ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks. However, they face the league's toughest remaining schedule, including three games against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. The team entered the season with championship aspirations, but now must fight to secure a playoff berth. This raises the question: should the Fever prioritize making the playoffs, or would they be better off focusing on securing a higher lottery pick for next year's draft?
Pros of Making the Playoffs:
- Give themselves a chance at an unexpected playoff run.